Europe prepares for ceasefire: thousands of soldiers in exercise ahead of deployment in Ukraine

Europe is preparing for a ceasefire in Ukraine: about 2,800 soldiers will take part this month in a military exercise in Poland led by Britain and France, to test the deployment of a multinational force in Ukraine after the fighting ends. The force will operate only at Kyiv's request, amid Russian threats.

Europe is preparing for the day after the war in Ukraine: about 2,800 soldiers will take part this month in a large-scale military exercise in Poland, designed to test the ability of European countries to deploy an international force in Ukraine after a ceasefire with Russia is achieved. The exercise, led by Britain and France, will take place from November 9 to 22 and will be the first of its kind for the multinational force established under the coalition of countries ready to assist Ukraine. The exercise will involve forces from ten European countries, alongside separate naval activity led by Turkey. The multinational force will not be sent to Ukraine before the fighting stops, and even then only at Kyiv's request. Its mission will be to help rebuild the Ukrainian army and enable the resumption of air and sea movement. British Defense Secretary Wes Streeting said this is a real force ready to help. However, ceasefire negotiations are stalled, the extent of American involvement is unclear, and Russia threatens to view foreign soldiers as legitimate targets. Experts cited by AP doubt whether the force will actually reach Ukrainian territory.